Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s Annual Statistics 2024: Key Highlights
Increased Refusal of Entry to High-Risk Travellers
Singapore refused entry to 33,100 foreigners last year, the majority of whom were assessed to pose immigration and security risks to the country, according to the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) on Friday. This reflects an increase of 15.7 per cent compared to 28,600 foreigners in 2023.
Identifying High-Risk Travellers
"Most of these high-risk travellers were identified through ICA’s targeting and ground profiling efforts," the ICA said in a statement on its Annual Statistics 2024. Immigration risks include the potential to overstay or work illegally, while security risks involve the potential to commit crimes in Singapore.
Decline in Multiple Identity Cases
ICA said that in 2024, there was a decrease in the number of multiple identity cases detected at the checkpoints, likely due to the use of multi-modal biometric clearance systems and ongoing publicity that discouraged attempts at illegal entry.
New Clearance Concept (NCC) Update
Additionally, the agency stated that as of January 31, 2025, approximately 47 million travellers had cleared immigration without presenting their passports under the New Clearance Concept (NCC). This initiative allows residents to enjoy passport-free clearance at major checkpoints, and automated clearance has now been extended to all foreign visitors.
Effective Management of Travel Volume
ICA said that with the full implementation of the NCC, it was able to effectively manage the 20 per cent increase in travel volume in 2024. The agency cleared almost 230.4 million travellers last year, an increase of about 38 million travellers compared to 2023. Traveller volume in 2024 surpassed pre-COVID-19 levels, largely due to a sharp rise in the number of travellers using the land checkpoints, which accounted for more than 75 per cent of the total traveller volume.
Record Land Crossings and Marriage of Convenience (MOC) Offences
A record 562,000 land crossings in a single day were recorded on Dec 20, 2024, exceeding pre-COVID-19 levels. Meanwhile, the number of persons arrested for MOC-related offences rose significantly from eight in 2023 to 41 persons last year. "This increase was due to ICA’s intensified enforcement efforts to investigate and disrupt MOC arrangements by syndicates, some of which were initiated based on tip-offs from the public," it said.
ICA’s Stance on Marriage of Convenience (MOC) Offences
ICA stated that it takes a serious view of individuals attempting to circumvent the system by engaging in, arranging, or assisting MOCs to obtain immigration facilities in Singapore.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ICA’s Annual Statistics 2024 highlights the agency’s efforts to effectively manage the increasing number of travellers while maintaining the security and integrity of Singapore’s immigration system. The agency’s targeting and ground profiling efforts have identified high-risk travellers, and the New Clearance Concept has been implemented to streamline the clearance process. The ICA will continue to monitor and adapt to the changing travel landscape to ensure the safety and security of Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many foreigners were refused entry to Singapore in 2024?
A: 33,100
Q: What is the main reason for the increase in refused entry cases?
A: The majority of these high-risk travellers were identified through ICA’s targeting and ground profiling efforts.
Q: What is the New Clearance Concept (NCC)?
A: NCC is an initiative that allows residents to enjoy passport-free clearance at major checkpoints, and automated clearance has now been extended to all foreign visitors.
Q: What is the ICA’s stance on Marriage of Convenience (MOC) offences?
A: ICA takes a serious view of individuals attempting to circumvent the system by engaging in, arranging, or assisting MOCs to obtain immigration facilities in Singapore.